'We Let The Country Down': Indian Football Star Admits National Team's WC Qualification Failure

Indian Football Team majorly underperformed during this year's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers campaign and crashed out in round 2 of qualifiers after an uninspiring league campaign. India's World Cup dream came to an end on June 12, 2024 when y lost to Qatar 2-1 in a controversial manner after home side were awarded a very dubious goal. 

loss against Qatar created a major furore in India as nation felt y were hard done by officials. However, truth remained that Indian Team led by n coach Igor Stimac h only mselves to blame as y couldn't get job done in earlier games against relatively easier opponents in Afghanistan and Kuwait.  

Reflecting on India's poor FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, star footballer has mitted that Blue Tigers failed to achieve ir objective and apologises to fans. 

Star Indian Footballer apologises to fans for Blue Tigers' FIFA WC Qualifiers failure 

FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA will feature an expanded tournament as number of teams have been increased from 32 to 48. Given increased number of teams, qualification format and talent Blue Tigers h at ir disposal, this was touted as India's best opportunity reach finals. 

Hence when India took only one point out of potential six against Afghanistan, drew at home to Kuwait leing to India's elimination from Round 2 of Qualifiers, fans were left angry and disappointed. 

In an exclusive chat with Republic World, star Indian Footballer Akash Mishra mitted that National Team failed in ir objective and has apologised to fans for ir poor performances. 

“At this moment I cannot say more. I can only say, of course, I know we have disappointed fans. Our expectations were higher that we could have done much better. And fans also, y know that we could have done better. We also know, coaches also know. But on behalf of everyone, even I am saying sorry,” said Akash Mishra to Republic World. 

Re full interview here | Exclusive/ Indian Football Star Akash Mishra Makes FIFA WC Promise To Fans

Akash Mishra furr vowed that him and his teammates were aware of ir shortcomings and promise to bring happiness back to fans. 

“All players, y feel deep inside that y have let country down. But yes, be with us. Come to stium or support however you want. But we'll give you reason to smile back and we'll fight for nation,” said Akash Mishra. 

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Akash Mishra is currently on sidelines of Indian Football Team and Mumbai City FC as he is recovering from an ACL injury that he picked up earlier in year during Mumbai City FC's ISL semi-final against FC Goa .